Joe Johnson (Australian footballer)
Joseph Andrew Johnson was an Australian rules footballer who played for the Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League and is recognised as the first ever Indigenous Australian to play in the VFL.
Born near Newcastle, New South Wales to Melbourne-born parents, Johnson was recruited from Victorian Football Association side Northcote Football Club and made his senior debut for Fitzroy Football Club in Round One 1904 against Carlton. Initially playing as a half-back-flanker, Johnson played in back to back premiership teams in 1904 and 1905. In 1907, Johnson left Fitzroy for VFA side Brunswick as playing coach, playing in their inaugural premiership in 1909. In 1912 he returned to Northcote as playing coach until 1914.
Johnson has been lauded for his role in being the first known Aboriginal footballer in Victoria, "leading the way" for other Aboriginal players to star in football.
Johnson's son Percy Johnson, grandson Percy Cummings and great-grandsons Robert and Trent Cummings also played VFL/AFL football.
Johnson died suddenly on 24 April 1934 and his funeral held the next day in Carlton.
